local
Miracle on the Hudson pilot Sully Sullenberger announces Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis
By Alexandra Skores, CNN at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
Capt. Chesley B. Sully Sullenberger III, best known for landing safely on the Hudson River after birds disabled both of the planes engines in 2009, has announced he has Alzheimers disease.Sullenberger, 75, posted an update to his personal website on Tuesday that said he recently found out about t...
Key takeaway Sully Sullenberger III, best known for landing safely on the Hudson River after birds disabled both of the planes engines in 2009, has announced he has Alzheimers disease.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville residents who have followed Sully Sullenberger's remarkable career may be interested to know that his advocacy for safety and courage in the face of adversity has resonated with local organizations focused on supporting individuals with Alzheimer's disease. As the city's own healthcare community continues to grapple with the challenges of dementia care, Sullenberger's announcement may help raise awareness about the need for increased research and support services in Davidson County. With Alzheimer's being a fatal and incurable disease, it is crucial for local healthcare providers and community groups to come together to provide resources and care for those affected. Sullenberger's call for courage in battling this disease may inspire local efforts to develop more comprehensive support systems for patients and their families, and his personal experience may shed new light on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in managing the disease.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Capt. Chesley B. Sully Sullenberger III, best known for landing safely on the Hudson River after birds disabled both of the planes engines in 2009, has announced he has Alzheimers disease.Sullenberger, 75, posted an update to his personal website on Tuesday that said he recently found out about t...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alexandra Skores, CNN at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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